World View Balloon: Hover Earth in a Helium Balloon for $75,000

A company called World View is planning to put passengers in to a specially made helium-filled balloon that will fly at an altitude of 18 miles above Earth on a flight that will take about three hours. A ticket to ride will cost about $75,000.

The helium-balloon fully inflated will be as large as a football field and have an enclosed gondola below it that will seat eight passengers plus two pilots. Step one is to flight test a smaller version of the concept. If all goes well, a full-size balloon is expected to be ready for takeoff in 2015.

The launch point of the balloon remains up in the air. However, locations in New Mexico and Arizona are being considered, the L.A. Times reports.

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